The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Everyone I've moved the discussion regarding nuclear confrontation between Russia and the west to the appropriate thread. This thread is for discussing the ongoing war and things directly pertaining to it. General discussion of relations between Russia and the west belong in that thread.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Russian strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure are continuing. This is coupled with a distinct Russian attempt at taking out Ukrainian air defenses and aircraft. Ukraine has lost several aircraft and we have repeated attempts (though not always successful) to strike Ukrainian SAMs. It appears that this is a Russian strategy after all and not just retaliation for the bridge attack. In addition to this, Russia's shopping spree in Iran continues, as we see more Iranian deliveries take place and even some instances of Russian cargo planes flying to Iran to assist. It's likely we're going to see increased numbers of Russian UCAVs in play. Even the Orion-S has resurfaced, with footage of it taking out a tank in Zaporozhye area showing up. It remains to be seen whether this can have the desirved effect now, as really this should have been executed from 1 day onwards. There are still no reports of systematic strikes against bridges or rail infrastructure, which is a likely next step. The big open question is whether Russian SEAD/DEAD efforts can yield sufficient results to allow Russia to step up ordinary airstrikes, or if hugging the ground to lob missiles remains the only viable option.

In my opinion this effort represents a bigger threat to Ukraine then anything else currently going on in this war. Realistically this could change the nature of the conflict and allow Russia to fully bring their airpower to bear while drastically degrading the ability of Ukraine to move troops by rail or to continue running supply and repair facilities in the rear. If it translates into Russian air superiority it could even allow for drastically improved situation awareness through recon flights and significant gains CAS and interdiction strikes. Of course there is a big "if" here. Russian strikes have been most effective against stationary targets due to issues with Russian C4ISR. Significant improvements are needed if this is to translate into an effective SEAD/DEAD campaign, and striking 3-5 SAM positions and downing a handful of aircraft doesn't do that. On the flip side if this effort continues long enough, and with munitions as relatively cheap as the Shahed-136 being readily available while more advanced munitions (like Russia's own Lancet or the Kh-59MK2) being reserved for the actual SEAD/DEAD strikes, this could be done. It would slower and less complete then if a western airforce was doing this, but it could give similar results against the already significantly damaged Ukrainian Air Force and air defense grid. It remains to be seen how this turns out but I suspect this has more to do with the ultimate outcome of this war then Russia's mobilization effort or even western aid to Ukraine.
 
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T.C.P

Well-Known Member
Russian strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure are continuing. This is coupled with a distinct Russian attempt at taking out Ukrainian air defenses and aircraft. Ukraine has lost several aircraft and we have repeated attempts (though not always successful) to strike Ukrainian SAMs. It appears that this is a Russian strategy after all and not just retaliation for the bridge attack. In addition to this, Russia's shopping spree in Iran continues, as we see more Iranian deliveries take place and even some instances of Russian cargo planes flying to Iran to assist. It's likely we're going to see increased numbers of Russian UCAVs in play. Even the Orion-S has resurfaced, with footage of it taking out a tank in Zaporozhye area showing up. It remains to be seen whether this can have the desirved effect now, as really this should have been executed from 1 day onwards. There are still no reports of systematic strikes against bridges or rail infrastructure, which is a likely next step. The big open question is whether Russian SEAD/DEAD efforts can yield sufficient results to allow Russia to step up ordinary airstrikes, or if hugging the ground to lob missiles remains the only viable option.

In my opinion this effort represents a bigger threat to Ukraine then anything else currently going on in this war. Realistically this could change the nature of the conflict and allow Russia to fully bring their airpower to bear while drastically degrading the ability of Ukraine to move troops by rail or to continue running supply and repair facilities in the rear. If it translates into Russian air superiority it could even allow for drastically improved situation awareness through recon flights and significant gains CAS and interdiction strikes. Of course there is a big "if" here. Russian strikes have been most effective against stationary targets due to issues with Russian C4ISR. Significant improvements are needed if this is to translate into an effective SEAD/DEAD campaign, and striking 3-5 SAM positions and downing a handful of aircraft doesn't do that. On the flip side if this effort continues long enough, and with munitions as relatively cheap as the Shahed-136 being readily available while more advanced munitions (like Russia's own Lancet or the Kh-59MK2) being reserved for the actual SEAD/DEAD strikes, this could be done. It would slower and less complete then if a western airforce was doing this, but it could give similar results against the already significantly damaged Ukrainian Air Force and air defense grid. It remains to be seen how this turns out but I suspect this has more to do with the ultimate outcome of this war then Russia's mobilization effort or even western aid to Ukraine.

Drones and Loitering munitions


Saw 4 lancet videos recently targetting Ukrainian AD networks. One was on a fake Buk system made of wood. One was a susccessful strike againt 2 S-300 TELS. One a S-300 TEL (that was either fake or empty) and one today striking a Ukrainain 36D6-M1 radar. you mentioned in your reply earlier on this thread that Russia got a new injection of lancets, and that tracks.

But the fact that Russia has been releasing videos of stirkes against the fake systems, kind of indicates that these are the only strikes they have made so far, otherwise why release the unsuccesful ones. Lancet looks like a real threat regardless, much more mobile and capable of hitting critical targets as opposed Shahed, which 90% of the time hits stationary infra.

What happened to the Kubs though, been a while since I have seen any. Have they been competely supplanted by the Lancets and Iranian drones?
On a different forum, some posted alleged IRGC commanders saying that they have decided not to sell Russia Arashes as they dont want the west to have access to the new Arash tech (lol, how times change)

Regarding Russian Missiles

1.) Also do you see any Russian explanation on the subpar performance of the Iskanders? leading up tot he war, Iskanders seemed to be an effective modern missile, but their performance has been disappointing( from an an armmchair novice such as myself's perspective). The Russian purchase of Iranian missiles, seem to show that they are aware of their deficiency in short range missiles.

2.) S-300s as surface-surface missiles- Is Russia really using older obsolete Missiles for these tasks, that seems like avery logical thing to do, or are they wasting newer(relatively) missiles for such inefficient purposes as well?
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Drones and Loitering munitions

Saw 4 lancet videos recently targetting Ukrainian AD networks. One was on a fake Buk system made of wood. One was a susccessful strike againt 2 S-300 TELS. One a S-300 TEL (that was either fake or empty) and one today striking a Ukrainain 36D6-M1 radar. you mentioned in your reply earlier on this thread that Russia got a new injection of lancets, and that tracks.

But the fact that Russia has been releasing videos of stirkes against the fake systems, kind of indicates that these are the only strikes they have made so far, otherwise why release the unsuccesful ones. Lancet looks like a real threat regardless, much more mobile and capable of hitting critical targets as opposed Shahed, which 90% of the time hits stationary infra.

What happened to the Kubs though, been a while since I have seen any. Have they been competely supplanted by the Lancets and Iranian drones?
On a different forum, some posted alleged IRGC commanders saying that they have decided not to sell Russia Arashes as they dont want the west to have access to the new Arash tech (lol, how times change)
Not sure what happened to the Kub. I did see the fake strikes against an S-300 TEL and Buk mockup. There's also an Osa SAM getting taken out in another video. This is clearly a directed effort that isn't always successful.

EDIT: The strikes against the fake S-300 TEL. Not the fake strikes. The strikes are real.


Regarding Russian Missiles
1.) Also do you see any Russian explanation on the subpar performance of the Iskanders? leading up tot he war, Iskanders seemed to be an effective modern missile, but their performance has been disappointing( from an an armmchair novice such as myself's perspective). The Russian purchase of Iranian missiles, seem to show that they are aware of their deficiency in short range missiles.

2.) S-300s as surface-surface missiles- Is Russia really using older obsolete Missiles for these tasks, that seems like avery logical thing to do, or are they wasting newer(relatively) missiles for such inefficient purposes as well?
I've seen claims of subpar performance by the Iskander but nothing substantive. I've so far reserved judgement pending some post-war BDA. Do you have something specific on their subpar performance?

I haven't seen any confirmation of S-300 surface to surface usage. You could try to infer that the S-300 that fell on a house in Nikolaev was being used in that manner but the likelier answer is that it was an air defense missile that was fired. Do you have anything to confirm this?

EDIT: There's noises coming out from the Russian side that suggest they're aware of and preparing for a major Ukrainian attack on Kherson including a strike against the Novo-Kahovskaya dam with the intent of flooding large areas. It's completely unclear if this is in any way verified now, time will show us whether there's any truth to this.

 
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STURM

Well-Known Member
The problem for the Russians is that although they are destroying Ukrainian AD systems not enough are being destroyed to make a difference. The question also is whether deliveries of Aspide, Hawk, NASAM, IRIS and Crotale will have a major impact on the ability of Russia to effectively deploy air power.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
There are rumors in twitter and telegram that Putin may implement martial law tomorrow and disallow citizens to leave Russia.
There are lots of rumours and rumours are just that. I can't remember if it's the Chinese or the Japanese who call rumour a yapping dog. The point is that we hold no real stock in them.

This is the wrong thread for this post so in the future make sure that you post in the correct thread.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update. Oct 6th-10th

Kherson-Nikolaev-Krivoy Rog-Odessa.

Ukrainian Humvees maneuvering under fire in Kherson region. One apparently gets taken out.


Russian fires in Kherson region. We can see a Ukrainian trench line and something burning. Allegedly it's an M-777 but I honestly can't tell.


Russian quadcopter drops a munition on a Ukrainian BMP-1, allegedly towards Krivoy Rog.


A Ukrainian column getting hit between Kostromka and Sukhoi Stavok. This is a very interesting post for several reasons. If you look carefully you can see it's the same column we saw above, but being filmed from a different angle. I.e. at least two UAVs were watching them. This is also indirect confirmation of Ukrainian forces in Sukhoi Stavok, and evidence of the fighting taking place there. It also suggests that Russian troops aren't really counter-attacking here at all, instead relying on artillery to hold Ukrainian forces at bay.


Confirmed destroyed XA-185 in Kherson region. We can also see a Kozak armored car. This is near Davydov Brod.


A destroyed Ukrainian BMP-2 (1st) and Strela-10 (2nd), Kherson region.


Ukraine's 35th Marine Bde. The video reports them unhappy with lack of support and munitions, but what's even more interesting is that they say they refuse to follow criminal orders including firing at their own. What this means in this video is unclear, but Russian sources have been claiming that Ukraine uses blocking units to prevent unreliable units from retreating without orders. So far there has been 0 substantiation and the claim is fairly far-fetched so I haven't bothered repeating it. However this might be confirmation.


In Krivoy Rog Ukraine has a military repair facility that's doing improvised projects including an MLRS made out of spare Grad tubes, and buggies.


Russian jets over Kherson region.


We have unconfirmed reports of the first Russian mobilized personnel arriving at the front line in Kherson region. I would think this is a sign of either stupidity or desperation, though I guess it's hypothetically possible that personnel who only recently demobilized from the Russian armed forces were relatively easy to get back up to speed.


Zaporozhye-Dnepropetrovsk.

Allegedly Russian artillery strikes against Ukrainian positions and artillery in Zaporozhye area.


Russian strikes against Ukrainian targets inside Zaporozhye city.


Ukraine's 55th Arty Bde barracks in Zaporozhye got hit.


Battle damage in Zaporozhye from Russian strikes.


The TES in Energodar burns, leading to blackouts. These are likely Ukrainian responses to similar Russian strikes.


Russian strikes in Nikopol', across the river from Energodar. Reportedly Russia used incendiary munitions.


Foreign fighters took part in an attack from the Ukrainian side in Zaporozhye, with casualties from a TOS-1 strike. Warning footage of corpses.


Apparently a failed Ukrainian attack, allegedly in Zaporozhye, we have a destroyed T-64BV and a captured BTR-80 with cage armor. It's unclear whether it's the same event as above. Warning footage of corpses.


A Ukrainian column moving to attack in Zaporozhye got hit, it's made up of I think M-113s.


Camera footage from a camera taken from one of the foreign KIAs in the recent attack.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Oskol Front.

A group of Ukrainian infantry riding an MBT. The tank gets hit, and they dismount, rush for cover, and return fire. Note the clumped infantry and the nearly aimless fire in the general direction of the enemy. The machinegunner filming has his machinegun sling covering the front sight.


Reportedly a recon team of foreign fighters near Kupyansk got hit.


Russian strikes in Kharkov.


Stel'makhovka, a village north-west of Svatovo has reported been taken by Ukrainian forces.


A pair of Russian Su-35S delivering strikes near Kremennaya.


A Ukrainian Bars armored car destroyed near Izyum. A reminder of the fighting that took place there.


2 destroyed Bushmasters being hauled away, Kharkov region.


There are reports of a Russian counter-attack towards Terny, Torskoe and Novosadovoe. Russian troops have reportedly entered the villages, though it's not clear whether they've actually succeeded.


A column of Ukrainain Roshel Senator armored cars, Kharkov. This is allegedly Kraken, the Azov follow-on formation that's been operating in Kharkov.


Ukrainian BMP-1TS in Kharkov region.


Some very disturbing footage has emerged from a pro-Ukrainian account, that apparently shows executed civilians in Kupyansk. The implication is that they were executed by Ukrainian forces as being Russian collaborators. The post made quite a splash and was quickly retracted. Warning footage of corpses.


LDNR Front.

Russian 42nd Motor-Rifles spot Ukrainian infantry in the treeline and deliver a strike.


Close quarters combat between Russian Chechen fighters and LNR 4th Bde on the one hand and Ukrainian forces on the other. This is reportedly Spornoe, between Lisichansk and Seversk. This is reportedly a rebel/Russian advance in the area.


DNR 11th Rgt firing at Ukrainian forces in Pervomayskoe. The village remains contested.


A Ukrainian strong point near Pervomaysk reportedly fell to DNR forces. We can see artillery followed by an infantry attack.


Kaskad btln DNR Troops of Interior striking an alleged Ukrainian vehicles.


Sparta Btln near Opytnoe dropping improvised munitions on Ukrainian positions. Note I think this is the Opytnoe near Donetsk, not the one near Artemovsk/Bakhmut.


A Russian strike near Liman, allegedly against some Ukrainian vehicles. Based on the size of the fire I have some doubts, though I guess it's possible if there were a lot of munitions there.


An interesting break down of the recent incident we saw where a LNR 4th Bde BMP-1 drove out into the open to pick up the crew/dismounts of another knocked out BMP-1. It turns out it got hit by a top-attack munition, possibly a Javelin, but survived. The vehicle was badly damaged but the occupants were lucky, and only got concussions. The hit pierced the front armor, the exhaust system, and the fuel tanks.


Shelling of Donetsk continues.


Ilovaysk, Donetsk region, got hit. The target is unclear but the fire is pretty major. Air defenses were reportedly firing.


Wagner fighters setting up MON-90 anti-tank mines.


Wagner fighters using Giatsint-B howitzers. I think this is our first positive confirmation of Wagner artillery. They're turning into a parallel army.


Wagner EOD identifies a German DM-31 anti-tank mine.


DNR fighters doing UAV training.


Russian anti-UAS gear is undergoing testing in the DNR.


Reportedly larger numbers of Wagner Group fighters are arriving on the front line around Soledar and Seversk.


LDNR mobilized personnel are getting body armor but the plates are missing.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Russia.

Something got shot down, Belgorod region.


Missile fragments in Belgorod region, Russia. I believe these are Tochka pieces. Possibly Ukrainian missiles shot down.


A Russian Su-24M made a hard landing in Rostov region. Cause is unclear, reportedly the pilots survived, ejecting safely.


Russia is claiming they have repaired the Serna landing boats that were hit at Zmeiniy. It's unclear how many are being claimed as restored.


Russian mobilized personnel in Sevastopol'.


Russian mobilized personnel in Belgorod reportedly got stuck waiting in a train. They've since arrived at a training facility. Again note the lack of consistent uniforms.


Russian mobilized personnel training in Crimea. Note the inconsistent uniforms and gear.


Russian mobilized personnel training in Arkhangel'sk. Note they appear much better equipped.


Volunteers continue training in Arkhangel'sk, they will join the region's volunteer btln.


Mobilized personnel training in Dagestan.


Mobilized personnel training in Rostov, note the BMP-3.


Mobilized personnel training on T-90As and BMP-3s in Volgograd region.


Mobilized personnel training in the 200th Artillery Bde.


Mobilized personnel training in Moscow region. Note the BMP-1s and 1AMs, as well as the T-72B3.


A Russian Su-25SM with 90 combat missions in Ukraine.


Chechen fighters who returned from the war are receiving awards. Note this indicates some rotation of forces. However we know for a fact that some units haven't been rotated at all this entire time.


Kamyzyak in Astrakhan' region and Stich Profi in Yekaterinburg are increasing production of body armor due to the war effort. It will be interesting to see if they succeed. A clear indicator would be if Russian infantry goes to war with modern helmets and body armor.


Private enterprises in Russia are assisting free of charge with the repair of Russian armored vehicles and their up-armoring.


Russian mobilization efforts continue.


I can't help but wonder if mobilized personnel are training on T-90s and BMP-3s not because that's the equipment they'll be getting but because that's what's available at the training center. Far too many are training on equipment that isn't going to be readily available.

Misc.

Allegedly a Ukrainian 2S7 destroyed.


A Ukrainian improvised MLRS destroyed. Location and context unclear.


Apparently 3 Ukrainian soldiers, the crew of a stuck BMP, dismount and retreat, but two end up WIA. Location and context unclear.


Russian forces examining a destroyed T-72M1. Note the penetration in the front-top area of the turret that went all the way through. The M1 variant of the T-72 has significantly worse protection levels then a T-72A or B.


Allegedly a Polish-supplied BMP-1 captured by Russian Kuban' Cossack irregulars.


A Chechen fighters from the Russian side took 3 rounds in his body armor and apparently is ok.


Russian Tor-M2 fires against allegedly a Ukrainian UAV.


Low altitude flights of Ukrainian Su-27 and Su-24 allegedly near the front line.


Russian SpN in Ukraine. Note the turret on the Tigr-M. One of the major criticism for the type is the lack of turrets. Many units improvised.


Russia is training mobilized personnel at a training ground somewhere inside Ukraine. This might be Zaporozhye or LDNR area. Note they're given two magazines to shoot at the range which is of course nothing. They're also training them on UAV usage, namely quadcopters, two soldiers per platoon. Note, overall this looks much better then the mobilization process inside the LDNR but again we're just seeing individual tactical training.


Russian T-90M in Ukraine. Photos of the type have become more common. We only have positive confirmation of two units using them, likely a company each but the spike in photos suggests there's more of them.


A Russian convict who went to war as part of Wagner Group has reportedly received Hero of the LNR, the highest award of that entity. The circumstances are unclear and it's likely this is being publicized as both a way of excusing the measure and propagandizing such service among other convicts.


A Czech-supplied Mi-24 in Ukraine. We've seen these more frequently lately. It suggests that Ukraine's own supply is probably running short.


An interesting Ukrainian M-113 with a BTR turret.


A rare Ukrainian T-72MP prototype upgrade was sent to the front. Russia and Ukraine appear to be desperate and willing to send prototype vehicles to war.


A rare Ukrainian T-80UD on the front line.


NATO/EU.


Ukraine has received 122mm Grad rockets from Romania. Many Soviet munition caliber weapon systems are still being used in Ukraine. Supplying them is becoming more challenging and countries like Bulgaria and Romania are increasingly important to Ukraine's war effort.


An AN/TPQ-49 has been spotted in Ukraine. I think this is the first time we've seen it.


A Belgian FN F-2000 was spotted in Ukraine.


Reportedly Ukrainian service members have begun to arrive in Spain to train on the Skyguard Aspide SAM.


Reportedly 2 more Zuzana-2 howitzers went to Ukraine, in addition to 4 earlier provided.


The first Bergepanzer-2 sighting in Ukraine.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
It appears Russia is preparing a mass evacuation of civilians from Kherson, with housing certificates to be issued for any region of Russia. Presumably this includes recently annexed occupied territories. It's not clear what this is, it's possible Russia is anticipating a bloody urban fight and wants the population out of the way (a stark contrast with the Ukrainian side). It's possible Russia really believes that Ukraine intends to destroy the Novo-Kahovskaya dam. It's even possible Russia believes they won't be able to hold the city, and might have to retreat and want to provide options for any locals that want to throw their lot in with Russia.
 

STURM

Well-Known Member
Russian quadcopter drops a munition on a Ukrainian BMP-1, allegedly towards Krivoy Rog.
Taken straight out of the Ukrainian playbook.

An interesting break down of the recent incident we saw where a LNR 4th Bde BMP-1 drove out into the open to pick up the crew/dismounts of another knocked out BMP-1. It turns out it got hit by a top-attack munition, possibly a Javelin, but survived. The vehicle was badly damaged but the occupants were lucky, and only got concussions. The hit pierced the front armor, the exhaust system, and the fuel tanks.
They're extremely lucky. I never thought anyone would be able to survive a Javelin strike; especially not whilst in a BMP.

Wagner fighters using Giatsint-B howitzers. I think this is our first positive confirmation of Wagner artillery. They're turning into a parallel army.
Do you know if they handle their own logistics or is it provided by the army?

The M1 variant of the T-72 has significantly worse protection levels then a T-72A or B.
Was it because it was intended for export or for other reasons?
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Oskol Front.

A group of Ukrainian infantry riding an MBT. The tank gets hit, and they dismount, rush for cover, and return fire. Note the clumped infantry and the nearly aimless fire in the general direction of the enemy. The machinegunner filming has his machinegun sling covering the front sight.
WRT those soldiers and their response to the ambush, they were not Ukrainian, but Russian. I saw the video last week elsewhere and the Ukrainian infantry don't react like that to an ambush. They are trained differently in how to react to ambushes.
 
It appears Russia is preparing a mass evacuation of civilians from Kherson, with housing certificates to be issued for any region of Russia. Presumably this includes recently annexed occupied territories. It's not clear what this is, it's possible Russia is anticipating a bloody urban fight and wants the population out of the way (a stark contrast with the Ukrainian side). It's possible Russia really believes that Ukraine intends to destroy the Novo-Kahovskaya dam. It's even possible Russia believes they won't be able to hold the city, and might have to retreat and want to provide options for any locals that want to throw their lot in with Russia.
The Ukrainian government has been urging the people of Kherson to evacuate repeatedly for 3 months, flagging that there will be military action in the city. They've been offering initial relocation into Zaporishzhia, then assistance in planning evacuation through the rest of Ukraine.;

Ukraine urges people of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to evacuate, Free evacuation for residents of Kherson,

Ukraine started recommending evacuation as early as July, though I would say there was an element of propaganda and military deception/psychological warfare within these actions as well.
 

Cooch

Active Member
It’s been suggested that part of the reasoning behind the increased Russian deployment of drones and missiles against cities, is to prod the Ukrainians into using up more of their air-defence munitions.
It also seems to be prodding other governments to supply more - and potentially more modern - air defence systems.

Youtube commenter, Perun, posted on the issue a few days ago. I like the way he goes about it, without knowing quite enough to have picked up any points of contention.

Listening to partisan claims (not much), I’m reminded of the RAF POW who whiled away his time in captivity by listening to German propaganda and keeping a tally. Eventually he was able to discomfort the German guards by pointing out that according to their own figures they had sunk the entire Royal Navy, so why was the war going so poorly for them?
We’ll know in the long run.
 

STURM

Well-Known Member
As the cliche goes ''there's a method behind the madness''. Whether they achieve anything remains to be seen but the Russians I'm sure have a reason for the strikes which ties in with whatever overall strategy they have.

As Feanor said in post 5.403 ''This is coupled with a distinct Russian attempt at taking out Ukrainian air defenses and aircraft. Ukraine has lost several aircraft and we have repeated attempts (though not always successful) to strike Ukrainian SAMs. It appears that this is a Russian strategy after all and not just retaliation for the bridge attack''.
 

Dex

Member
There are rumors in twitter and telegram that Putin may implement martial law tomorrow and disallow citizens to leave Russia.
There are lots of rumours and rumours are just that. I can't remember if it's the Chinese or the Japanese who call rumour a yapping dog. The point is that we hold no real stock in them.

This is the wrong thread for this post so in the future make sure that you post in the correct thread.
Looks like the Martial Law rumors are true.



Putin declares martial law in four illegally annexed regions of Ukraine
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Taken straight out of the Ukrainian playbook.
Yes. "Ukrainian". Not the playbook of Middle Eastern non-state actors. ;)

They're extremely lucky. I never thought anyone would be able to survive a Javelin strike; especially not whilst in a BMP.
This isn't really new. There have historically been many instances of Soviet-made BTRs and BMPs taking an RPG or ATGM hit that penetrates in one side and exits out the other but just doesn't happen to hit anything vital or kill anyone. They were definitely lucky as all hell.

Do you know if they handle their own logistics or is it provided by the army?
I suspect that historically they have handled their own logistics and even had their own manufacturing beucase neither the Chekan armored truck (MRAP?) nor the BRDM-2s with RCWS ZU-23-2s on top are in any way Russian army standard. Both required some R&D (though admittedly probably minimal) and both had to be custom made. I suspect they're working with a Russian armor repair plant or machine shop. However for artillery I don't see how they could be handling their own logistics.

Was it because it was intended for export or for other reasons?
It was intended for export.

WRT those soldiers and their response to the ambush, they were not Ukrainian, but Russian. I saw the video last week elsewhere and the Ukrainian infantry don't react like that to an ambush. They are trained differently in how to react to ambushes.
It is almost 100% a Ukrainian unit. Note the uniforms, the helmets, and the blue tape tactical marking. Unless this is a Russian unit very carefully cosplaying as Ukrainians (of which these is no indication), this is definitely Ukraine. I think it's important to remember that along side western professional ex-military volunteers and domestic forces trained in the west, Ukraine fields gigantic quantities of territorial defense and mobilized personnel that aren't that well trained.

The Ukrainian government has been urging the people of Kherson to evacuate repeatedly for 3 months, flagging that there will be military action in the city. They've been offering initial relocation into Zaporishzhia, then assistance in planning evacuation through the rest of Ukraine.;

Ukraine urges people of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to evacuate, Free evacuation for residents of Kherson,

Ukraine started recommending evacuation as early as July, though I would say there was an element of propaganda and military deception/psychological warfare within these actions as well.
This is definitely new for Russia. This is a permanent population relocation, or at least semi-permanent, with housing certificates to be offerred. I believe the situation is as follows; Putin has ordered Kherson to be held, and Surovikin is willing to do it even if all he holds at the end is piles of rubble. But to facilititate this kind of desperate "at-all-costs" defense, they're evacuating the population. The potential threat of flooding may be real or a pretext.

On the Ukraine side I was referring to the situation in Mariupol'.
 
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